Solidworks to Mach3

[spaltiel]

I'm new to CNC and my first machine is in progress (I'm waiting to the electronics).

I hope someone can help me.
How to convert a file of component which designed in Solidworks to a file which "Mach3" can read and work with?

I read that Mach3 software is very popular. Also, I understand that the computer is translating Gcode and send it to the controller.

thanks in advance

[mcphill]

Originally Posted by spaltiel I'm new to CNC and my first machine is in progress (I'm waiting to the electronics). I hope someone can help me. How to convert a file of component which designed in Solidworks to a file which "Mach3" can read and work with? I read that Mach3 software is very popular. Also, I understand that the computer is translating Gcode and send it to the controller. thanks in advance

You need another piece of software, a CAM package. You can get plugins to SolidWorks for this (CAMWorks, SolidCAM, FeatureCAM, etc), or you can use third party programs (CAMBAM, BobCAD/CAM, etc.). What's your budget? It will cost from free to tens of thousands of dollars (for a 5-axis CAM package).

[spaltiel]

Originally Posted by mcphill You need another piece of software, a CAM package. You can get plugins to SolidWorks for this (CAMWorks, SolidCAM, FeatureCAM, etc), or you can use third party programs (CAMBAM, BobCAD/CAM, etc.). What's your budget? It will cost from free to tens of thousands of dollars (for a 5-axis CAM package).

My budget is very short. Can you please recommend of a software which is free? BTW I am willing to convert 3D components.

[ger21]

Freemill.
http://www.mecsoft.com/freemill.shtml

[spaltiel]

thanks.
Are there more free software?

[atwooddon]

You can use CamBam for both drawing (CAD) type functions and gcode generation (CAM) functions. There is a free version of CamBam with les functionality, or you can use the full version for 40 times for free. I have been using CamBam for about a year now and really like it. The support is great, and I have not found anything I need to do that CamBam has not supported. I am not a heavy duty 3D user but what limited 3D functions I needed, CamBam handled well.

Don

[CarbonKevin]

I use MeshCAM - they do offer a 30 day free trial, which might be good for you while you get a better understanding of your needs. After that, it's under $200.

As far as software goes, it's pretty good.

To the process you'll use is:

In SolidWorks, save as an STL

Open the STL in MeshCAM.

Define stock size, program zero, select your cutter profile(s), then set up your roughing and/or finishing passes. Generate your toolpath, open it in Mach3, and you're good to go.

Of course it never goes as smoothly as that, there's lots to learn along the way.